The basic education department has denied alleged social media reports that the minimum pass requirements for school  mathematics have been “lowered to 20%” in the senior phase – grades seven to nine.

“The articles, with the false reports, have appeared in various news platforms,” the department said in a statement on Sunday.

“There is no change to the minimum pass requirements for mathematics in grade 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.”

In terms of the National Education Policy Act, any policy change would be made by the basic education minister after consultation with the Council of Education Ministers (CEM), and using appropriate channels, such as a government gazette or a circular – both of which would be communicated officially by the department.

Picture: Pexels

“Some people have seemingly fallen victim to this fake news, accusing the department of having reduced the ‘pass mark for mathematics to 20%’. This could not be further from the truth.

“It is mischievous of some people to take old information and make it look like it is a new policy directive. We condemn the misleading headline, and the peddling of false information.”

Furthermore, the department urged members of the public to be cautious about information received from third parties regarding departmental matters, and to rather encourage the members of the public to seek official comment from the department.

“South Africans are urged to refrain from sharing incorrect and misleading content that causes confusion and panic, especially among parents and learners alike,” the statement said.

File picture: Pexels

-ANA, editing by Jacques Keet